Is university still worth it in today’s world? And what kind of future generation is it really shaping?

In this episode of The Journey, Jason Yee sits down with Ava, a second-year student in McMaster’s ultra-competitive Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed) program. With only a 12% acceptance rate, the program is tough — but what makes Ava stand out isn’t just her grades, it’s her mindset.

Ava shares how she shifted from chasing external goals and survival-mode metrics to focusing on reflection, purpose, and growth. Along the way, she reveals what it’s really like to study in one of Canada’s most unique programs, how students can prepare themselves for admissions, and why the next generation may be far stronger than we give them credit for.

If you’ve ever wondered whether university is still a smart investment — or doubted whether today’s youth are ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges — this conversation will make you think differently.

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